WhiteWave, now owned by Danone, firmly opposes recent lawsuits challenging the use of the term “almondmilk,” deeming them a waste of time and resources. In recent months, both WhiteWave Foods and Blue Diamond Growers, the maker of Almond Breeze, have faced class-action lawsuits from consumers claiming that their alternative milk products misleadingly assert they are equally or more nutritious than dairy milk. A report from Mintel highlighted that U.S. sales of non-dairy milk rose by 9% in 2015, while sales of dairy milk fell by 7%. Given these trends, it is understandable that traditional milk companies are targeting those responsible for alternative products, as they pose a threat to market share and could drive down dairy milk prices.
This controversy has been brewing in the industry for quite some time. In 2013, a federal judge in California dismissed a lawsuit against major dairy processors, including WhiteWave, which alleged that these alternative dairy companies misrepresented their plant-based products by labeling them as “milk,” despite not being derived from cows. By the end of 2016, over two dozen U.S. lawmakers signed a letter to then-U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf, urging the agency to investigate the use of the term “milk” by plant-based dairy brands.
In January, the Senate proposed the “Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act,” known as the DAIRY PRIDE Act, aimed at encouraging the FDA to exclude nut or plant-based milk alternatives from the definition of milk. This battle is one that milk manufacturers are unlikely to abandon anytime soon, and it will be intriguing to observe consumer reactions. The removal of the term “milk” seems unlikely to deter nut-based dairy product enthusiasts from purchasing brands like Silk and Blue Diamond, as many prefer these options for their taste and lower fat content.
Additionally, as consumers increasingly seek nutritious alternatives, there is a rising interest in products like bariatric advantage calcium citrate chewable tablets 500mg, which could complement their dietary choices. This trend reflects a broader shift towards health-conscious consumption, further complicating the landscape for traditional dairy producers. The ongoing debates surrounding labeling and definitions will continue to shape the future of both dairy and non-dairy markets.